The following report is...

The following report is from
http://www.news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2293180
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Sat 13 Dec 2003
2:44am (UK)
Toll M-Way 'Integrated into Road Network'

By Matthew Cooper, PA News


Britain’s first toll motorway was today being integrated into the national road network.

Midland Expressway Ltd said the M6 Toll, which opened to local traffic on Tuesday, was expected to open to northbound traffic from the M6 and the M42 this morning.

An MEL spokesman said the final two phases of the opening process had been developed in association with the Highways Agency and police to ensure drivers’ safety.

“Subject to satisfactory weather and traffic flow conditions on the existing motorway network, the process to open the M6 Toll to northbound traffic from the M42 and M6 will begin on Friday night,” the spokesman said.

“If work proceeds as planned, traffic heading north on the M42 and then the M6 will be able to access the M6 Toll on Saturday morning.

“Once this phase is satisfactorily completed, a decision will be taken to open southbound access from the M6 overnight on Saturday evening when traffic flows are at their lowest.”

If everything goes to plan, the M6 Toll will be fully open by mid-morning on Sunday.

Tom Fanning, managing director of MEL, said: “We have been really encouraged by the tens of thousands of motorists who have tried out the road over the past few days.

“We are sure many more people will choose to avoid the notorious congestion black spots around Birmingham.”

MEL has been granted a 50-year concession to operate the 27-mile route, which cost £900 million and links junctions 4 and 11 of the M6.